Journal

The internet is a formidable force for bringing the comfort and consolation and hope of the Lord to all of us. It can be an incredibily powerful medium for community. There is an unfathomable resource for prayer here. We have on the 'net the privilege of praying for people and of being witness to the miracles brought forth when fervent, faith-filled people pray for one another.

Let's be that community of hope and faith for one another.

How about this idea? What if I pop in here every weekend, share Sunday's gospel and talk a wee bit about how we can live it and pray it in our homes? And then you tell me how we can pray for you that week? Deal?

{And please, do return and let us know how prayer is bearing fruit.}

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples:"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,and on earth nations will be in dismay,perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.People will die of frightin anticipation of what is coming upon the world,for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.And then they will see the Son of Mancoming in a cloud with power and great glory.But when these signs begin to happen,stand erect and raise your headsbecause your redemption is at hand.

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsyfrom carousing and drunkennessand the anxieties of daily life,and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.For that day will assault everyonewho lives on the face of the earth.Be vigilant at all timesand pray that you have the strengthto escape the tribulations that are imminentand to stand before the Son of Man."

Think

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art. ~St. Francis de Sales

Pray

God, I want this Advent to be about learning to love better. Help me to wait, watching. Let me guard my heart from all the modern carousing the culture begs of me during these days before Christmas. Let me stand firm against the temptation to succumb to the anxieties of my to-do lists. God, give me the strength to be vigilant and help me dedicate this advent to becoming a master of the art of love.

Act

Decide now. When will it be? Fifteen minutes every day, by yourself, between now and Christmas. Fifteen minutes to be still and know God. Fifteen minutes to love Him with your whole heart and listen to His lessons of love. Let this Advent be the beginning of the habit.

{Adding my own intentions here this week. Please pray for two dear friends--both battling breast cancer--who face major surgery this week. And please pray for an intention held close in my heart.}

In The Heart of My Home

I'm Elizabeth. I'm a happy wife and the mother of nine children. I grab grace with both hands and write to encourage myself and others to seize and nurture the joy of every day. I blog here with my daughter, Mary Beth, a wholehearted young lady on the brink of adulthood.